Multi function display decision time - Maxum Boat Owners Club

4n6PI · 02-28-2018, 10:59 PM

Hi everyone,

I am looking for opinions based on use and support issues.

Looking at these two MFD's

Lowrance HDS 7 GEN 3

http://www.cabelas.com/product/LOWRA...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

Raymarine Axiom 7

NEW AXIOM 7 | Raymarine by FLIR

Either has the features I am interested in but I am still quite new to boating :-)

Thank you,

James

mmwjr · 03-01-2018, 12:40 AM

Both are nice units. I have an older Lorance HDS 5 and have been very happy with it.

4n6PI · 03-01-2018, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmwjr

Both are nice units. I have an older Lorance HDS 5 and have been very happy with it.

Thank you for the reply, have you had to call in for support? If so were they available and helpful? The support is crucial to me, when you need it ... you usually really need it.. :-)

mmwjr · 03-01-2018, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4n6PI

Thank you for the reply, have you had to call in for support? If so were they available and helpful? The support is crucial to me, when you need it ... you usually really need it.. :-)

No I never need to call for support as the manual provided all the help I needed.

4n6PI · 03-01-2018, 01:04 PM

Thanks Mike, appreciate the reply.

4n6PI · 04-23-2018, 02:31 PM

Hi Everyone,

I was very busy this weekend as I could not get to the boat. Kids and sporting events.. So, I decided to recreate my SCR2800 dash with the new Axiom 7DV. Here is a before and after. I took a few pictures while doing this in case anyone wants to know how I did it.

4n6PI · 04-23-2018, 03:22 PM

Purchased this as the base for the dash:
https://www.amazon.com/Boat-Blank-Da...22+x+3%2F16%22

When you layout the DASH to cut make sure you are working from the back of the new sheet and the back of the old dash so the cut will be the proper presentation when you turn it around.
I used a razor blade to make my cuts and, a file to smooth the edges. I am sure you could use a Dremel or jigsaw carefully as well.
Centering was the most difficult part of the process and the most tedious. I decided to use the square where the depth finder was located as the "straight line" for the cuts and the outside of the two gauges as the centering focus. I measured many time prior to cutting as the amount of space I had available on the top and bottom was very close.
If I can help or assist with anyone who wants to do this let me know. I am no expert but, I took my time and it came out perfect. I have room on both sides for other gauges and the sun cover fits just right.

mmwjr · 04-23-2018, 04:47 PM

Nice job, thanks for sharing the details.

4n6PI · 04-23-2018, 05:50 PM

Appreciate it, everyone has been so helpful, I wanted to try to give back what I can...

codingparadox · 04-23-2018, 08:33 PM

Nice! Maybe I'll redo my dash with the wood grain if I get unlazy. I did the same thing just used straight ABS, and I went with the 9" display (so glad I went with 9" over the 7"). Did the same thing as you and eliminated all of the gauges and just have a straight MFD in the center now.

4n6PI · 04-23-2018, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codingparadox

I did the same thing just used straight ABS, and I went with the 9" display (so glad I went with 9" over the 7").

As you can see from the images, I did not have the room for the 9" so thanks for rubbing that in..

I had to measure multiple times prior to cutting just to get the 7" to fit. That was fun !!

James

codingparadox · 04-23-2018, 08:51 PM

Hahaha -- maybe the 97 is smaller? The 9" didn't really "fit" on my 99 either -- I had maybe 2mm of plastic at the top left/right corners and at the bottom center for the cutout, and the 4 screwholes go straight into fiberglass not into the ABS. Mounted and finished up, though, it looks really good -- the ugliness is hidden under the cover! I'll have to dig up a picture next time I'm out there.

codingparadox · 04-23-2018, 08:55 PM

Here's a crappy pic I dug out of my phone history from when I first installed it (finished in the middle of the night.)

4n6PI · 04-25-2018, 06:16 PM

Funny, I never thought of having it "oversized" I only think in black and white...it fits or it doesn't :-)

If you are interested, I could cut another template out for you in the walnut. I bought a big sheet. Just pay for the shipping..up to you.

codingparadox · 04-25-2018, 06:21 PM

I waffled for like a week before ordering the 9" instead of the 7". I'd done all the same measurements you did, and was like "ugh it's not gonna fit, this is gonna be a waste of time..." before finally deciding damn the torpedoes.

That'd be awesome! Taking to PM.

Gugi47 · 04-26-2018, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4n6PI

Hi everyone,

I am looking for opinions based on use and support issues.

Looking at these two MFD's

Lowrance HDS 7 GEN 3

http://www.cabelas.com/product/LOWRA...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

Raymarine Axiom 7

NEW AXIOM 7 | Raymarine by FLIR

Either has the features I am interested in but I am still quite new to boating :-)

Thank you,

James

I see you like Raymarine.
I got one but the very new edition of them, the Raymarine Dragonfly 7 Pro with Navionics Plus Chart and Transducer E70320-NAG.
I'm very impress and happy wit this unit. Just other idea.
Good luck